Teacher Danielle

My name is Danielle and I use she/her pronouns. I feel honored to be a part of the Burien Co-Op community.

I was introduced to BCP in 2016 as a nanny to an attending family. I have wanted to be a part of BCP ever since! The joy, growth and learning that happens through play, tinkering and friendship is magical. I feel privileged to be a part of this unique and special community.

My husband, Tori, and I share our home with three large dogs (a Saint Bernard named Frank, a Mastiff named Axl, and an adorable mutt named Nala) 3 cats (George, Wilbur, and Bubbles) and one Sun Conure named Izzy. I spend my time outside of class hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, camping (any excuse to be in nature) and mixed media arts.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Oil Painting and Drawing from the University of Washington. I have been a nanny for 10 years; 7 of those were spent with toddlers. I volunteered at Childhaven in the infant room through college. I have been creating environments for children to grow for years.

I wholeheartedly believe in the value of play because each tactile, messy, sensory experience gives young minds a flood of exciting information. Creating a space where there are no wrong ways to learn is integral in my approach.

I support child-led play because children come up with things we could never imagine. Each child sees the world differently and it is vital to me to learn each individual’s needs. We will build a room that is a “yes” space where we can all grow together.

Teacher Alissa

Hello, I am Alissa, and I use she/her/they/them pronouns. I was introduced to BCP in 2023 by an attending family and knew this place was something special!

I began as a parent, served very briefly on the board, and eventually came on as the toddler teacher!

With over five years of experience in early childhood education and a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Psychology, I am excited to embark on the 2024 school year with a renewed focus on fun and play. My background in psychology equips me with a deep understanding of child development, allowing me to create a nurturing and effective learning environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.

I am dedicated to fostering a playful and engaging classroom where toddlers can thrive through exploration and creativity. My teaching approach emphasizes the importance of play as a fundamental tool for learning and growth, and I strive to make every day an exciting adventure for my students.

My non-traditional family unit consists of my partner Mark, my partner Josie, my toddler Marky, our two dogs (Momo and Little Boy) and myself. In our free time we like to visit family up north, garden outside, go swimming, and help take care of Marky’s great-grandmother Eileen.

Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about community involvement and enjoy volunteering at Sakura Con each spring. This experience allows me to connect with diverse groups and bring new ideas and inspiration back to my teaching practice. I look forward to partnering with families and colleagues to make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for all our little learners!

Teacher Rachelle

Hello! My name is Rachelle (pronounced like Rachel) and I use she/they pronouns. I found Burien Coop after moving to the area and searching for a pre-school program that worked well with my oldest daughter. Even better, what I found is a place where both my girls and myself became part of an amazing community. My oldest graduated from being an Orca and has moved on to the bigger world of elementary school while my youngest continues her journey through BCP.

I graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Education from Western Washington University. My professional career comprises roles focused on education, youth development/outreach and or the environment but usually some combo of all three. From leading child-centered community programs to outdoor preschool educator, I have been working in these spaces with youth ages 3-18 for over 15 years. I am happiest and see the best in who we are when community, environmental care and education converge and thrive.

I aim to foster a space where everyone feels safe and heard while we learn through play and exploration. At the core of my teaching style I focus on experience and community. Having a place where trying new things and making mistakes is an important part of the learning process that I wish to foster. I believe building a community that prioritizes support, acceptance and kindness provides the building blocks for thriving kids.

My partner, Tien and I moved from northern California in 2012 to Washington and knew this is where we belonged. Over the years, we’ve shaped our family and have 2 cats, Oreus and Calcifer, Willow- our black lab and our two girls, Juniper and Hazel. We are a family of nerds and nature lovers. You will usually find me crocheting while we look for frogs and pick flowers or while playing Animal Crossing.